English:The Open ChapelThe construction of the chapel can be dated between 1590 and 1600. Its placement in the Central Square suggests that, since Pre-Hispanic times, this space was used for important ceremonies; ceremonies that continued within the Hispano-Catholic ritual. It is understood that Dzibilchaltun was sufficiently populated to justify the construction of a chapel. From the front one can see the baser that outlined its extension, an area covered with what once was its nave, made out of straw and branches. The painted stucco can still be seen. The remains of the parish, directly to the North, housed the Friars who came to officiate.

Erected by Instituto Nacional de Antropología e Historia (INAH).

Location. 21° 5.468′ N, 89° 35.828′ W. Marker is in Dzibilchaltún, Yucatán, in Municipality of Mérida. Touch for map. The marker is located about 100 meters to the right after the entrance to the Dzibilchaltun Archaeological Zone. The park is off the road towards the small village of Dzilbilchaltun, to the east some 20 km north of Mérida on the Mérida-Progeso

By J. Makali Bruton, January 11, 2017

3. The Open Chapel and the Parish

The Parish (Friars' Quarters) ruins can be seen to the north of the Open Chapel. Note Structure 36 in the distance.

This cenote is some meters west of the Open Chapel. As the Yucatán has no rivers, cenotes (naturally formed sinkholes that are open to groundwater) were traditionally the main water sources for the Maya and early Spanish colonizers. This cenote is now used as a local swimming hole.

1970

5. The Open Chapel at Dzibilchaltún

This image (which appears to be the image on the marker) shows how the chapel probably appeared. It was taken from "Folan, William. 1970. The Open Chapel of Dzibilchaltun, Yucatan. Middle American Research Institute. Publication 26: 181-199. Tulane University. New Orleans."

Credits. This page was last revised on January 29, 2017. This page originally submitted on January 29, 2017, by J. Makali Bruton of Querétaro, Mexico. This page has been viewed 94 times since then. Photos:1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on January 29, 2017, by J. Makali Bruton of Querétaro, Mexico.